Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
The fierce howling of icy winds echoed continuously across the dim snowy mountains, the bone-chilling cold seemingly trying to freeze everything in its path.
Inside a cave, the crackling sound of flames and burning wood provided a small sanctuary of warmth amidst the frozen wasteland, illuminated by the orange glow of the firelight.
Sip.
Hiroshi took a light sip of the black coffee, its rich aroma lingering on his tongue. Feeling a bit unused to the taste, he looked at Albedo, who was observing him closely, and smiled. "I'm not quite accustomed to this flavor. I'll send you some tea leaves I've cultivated myself later."
"You might enjoy them," Hiroshi added.
"Tea leaves you cultivated yourself?" Albedo's eyes lit up with curiosity. "Are they from another world? Do you have them with you? Could I study them?"
"I do have some," Hiroshi replied with a chuckle, pulling out a packet of tea leaves. "But they're not meant for research."
With a wave of his hand, Hiroshi produced a tea set and summoned a stream of fresh spring water from his small world. A gentle golden flame flickered, and soon the tea was ready. Pouring a cup, Hiroshi handed it to Albedo with a smile.
"Please, have a taste."
Taking the delicate porcelain cup, Albedo examined it briefly before taking a small sip. "This is excellent tea," he remarked, gazing at the emerald-green liquid. "It also seems to contain a unique energy. Quite fascinating."
"Of course," Hiroshi said with a hint of pride. "These leaves come from the primordial spirit tree of my small world. Naturally, they possess special properties."
Albedo's expression grew serious as he set the cup down. Looking toward the cave entrance, he stood and carefully retrieved a white shard from a cabinet.
"This is a fragment of a dragon's tooth," Albedo said, handing the shard to Hiroshi. "During our investigation of Dragonspine, we discovered traces of Durin, the dragon mentioned in historical records."
"However, before we could delve deeper, we were ambushed by a large group of Fatui agents. Not only did they seize the dragon tooth we had, but they also attempted to bury us beneath the snow."
Albedo's tone carried a hint of frustration as he recounted the events. "Outnumbered, we were forced to retreat. Amid the chaos, I managed to retrieve this fragment to continue our research."
Hiroshi took a sip of tea and asked, "So, your goal is to eliminate the Fatui and recover the dragon tooth?"
Albedo shook his head. "There are too many of them for us to handle alone. We sought your help to assist us in locating Durin's core before the Fatui do."
"Understood," Hiroshi replied with a nod. "I see why you've brought me here."
Turning his gaze toward Klee, who was playing airplane games with Qiqi on Roly-Poly's belly, Hiroshi added, "But I think we also need to talk about Klee."
"She was the first person I met when I arrived in this world," Hiroshi reminisced. "Back then, I was weak, unable to even fend off slimes."
Hiroshi chuckled at the memory. "I was so scared of some wind slimes in the distance that I collapsed on the ground, only to be startled half to death by Klee appearing behind me. If it weren't for her, I might not have survived."
A warm smile crossed Hiroshi's face as he continued, "Thanks to Klee, I met Jean and gradually found a place in Mondstadt with the Knights' help. She saved me and changed my life. I care deeply for her."
Hiroshi looked at Albedo with earnest eyes. "As Klee's brother, I hope you can accept me as part of her family."
Albedo smiled softly. "When Klee introduced you to me earlier, I already decided to accept you."
Looking at Klee and Qiqi happily playing with Kuroneko nearby, Albedo added, "Klee's joy when she spoke of you all was genuine. Through our conversation, I can sense your sincerity and love for her."
"Besides," Albedo glanced toward Mondstadt, "Jean has also placed her trust in you. Her decision to involve you in this task is proof of that."
Picking up a dried branch from the table, Albedo infused it with a faint white glow. "I've often been preoccupied with alchemy, leaving little time to spend with Klee. That's why she frequently sneaks out to explore Mondstadt."
Albedo looked at the newly sprouted branch in his hand and smiled at Hiroshi. "If Klee has found a new family and she accepts you, I'm happy for her."
"After all," Albedo continued, "Klee is Alice's child. Though she's still young, she's already doing things that worry me greatly. Knowing you're watching over her eases my concerns. Now I won't have to fear hearing about Klee blowing up Starsnatch Cliff when I step out of my lab."
Hiroshi's expression relaxed as he laughed. "Don't worry, Albedo. Klee has become very well-behaved. We'll always be there to protect her."
"She's also grown close to Qiqi. They're like inseparable sisters now."
Albedo glanced at Klee and Qiqi, his smile softening. "Klee seems very happy. I'm sure Alice will come to approve of you all too."
Klee's ears twitched as she paused her game. Turning to look at Hiroshi and Albedo, she called out cheerfully, "Albedo! Klee's already completed half of the task Mom gave me!"
Raising her hand, Klee struck a pose Huihui had designed for her explosive magic. "Starsnatch Cliff has already been flattened by Klee's explosions! Next, I just need Captain Jean's approval, and boom! Mom's task will be done!"
The freshly sprouted branch in Albedo's hand turned to dust. Turning silently to Hiroshi, Albedo gave him a long look.
Scratching his cheek awkwardly, Hiroshi offered a nervous laugh. "See? At least she knows she needs permission to blow things up now."